Professional Documents
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Scrotal Rejuvenation
Philip R. Cohen 1
Abstract
Genital rejuvenation is applicable not only to women (vaginal rejuvenation) but also to men
(scrotal rejuvenation). There is an increased awareness, reflected by the number of published
medical papers, of vaginal rejuvenation; however, rejuvenation of the scrotum has not received
similar attention in the medical literature. Scrotal rejuvenation includes treatment of hair-
associated scrotal changes (alopecia and hypertrichosis), morphology-associated scrotal
changes (wrinkling and laxity), and vascular-associated scrotal changes (angiokeratomas).
Rejuvenation of the scrotum potentially may utilize medical therapy, such as topical minoxidil
and oral finasteride, for scrotal alopecia and conservative modalities, such as depilatories and
electrolysis, for scrotal hypertrichosis. Lasers and energy-based devices may be efficacious for
scrotal hypertrichosis and scrotal angiokeratomas. Surgical intervention is the mainstay of
therapy for scrotal laxity; however, absorbable suspension sutures are postulated as a potential
intervention to provide an adequate scrotal lift. Hair transplantation for scrotal alopecia and
injection of botulinum toxin into the dartos muscle for scrotal wrinkling are hypothesized as
possible treatments for these conditions. The interest in scrotal rejuvenation is likely to
increase as men and their physicians become aware of both the conditions of the scrotum that
may warrant rejuvenation and the potential treatments of the scrotum for these individuals.
Scrotal rejuvenation
Cosmetic concerns and procedures are increasing in men [2-3]. Indeed, aging can result in
scrotal changes, such as laxity presenting with a low-hanging scrotum. Therefore, aesthetic and
functional restorations of the scrotum are important aspects of scrotal rejuvenation [4].
However, to date, the term “scrotal rejuvenation” does not elicit any relevant citations using
the PubMed search engine.
Scrotal anatomy
Embryologically, the scrotum in men is analogous to the labia majora in women. Both originate
from the labioscrotal swelling. Sex-appropriate development occurs after approximately the
ninth week of gestation [5].
The scrotum is a sac consisting of two lobes that extend downward from the perineal region; it
is located posterior to the penis. The median raphe is a linear thickening that defines where the
lobes meet. The raphe extends anteriorly from the anus to the posterior surface of the scrotum,
around the scrotum to its anterior surface, and then onto the ventral surface of the penis [5].
The scrotum consists of skin with its associated adnexal structures (such as hair) and the dartos
tunic. The latter is composed of the smooth muscle and fascia. Ridges and furrows usually
define the external wrinkled cutaneous surface of the scrotum [5].
The normal density of hair on the scrotum, to the best of my knowledge, has not been
quantified; it is likely to vary based on age. In addition, a race-associated variability of hair
density on the mons pubis and labia majora has been observed in women; in particular,
investigators have noted a racial predisposition for pubic atrichosis or hypotrichosis in Korean
women of Mongolian origin [6]. Therefore, it is reasonable to postulate that a racial
predisposition for scrotal alopecia also exists.
Acquired alopecia of the scrotum may be idiopathic or possibly age-related (Figures 1, 2).
Alternatively, it may be associated with repetitive friction from rubbing by the individual’s
clothing. Hair loss can be caused by the grooming practices of the man; these could include
epilation (by plucking or waxing) or removal by laser and other energy devices. Medication-
related hair loss during treatment with systemic chemotherapy or targeted therapy, such as
vismodegib for basal cell carcinoma, can also result in scrotal hair loss; however, partial or
complete regrowth of hair usually occurs once the antineoplastic therapy has been
Criteria (as defined by a grading system) for evaluating scrotal alopecia has not been
established. Researchers have attributed the impetus for pubic hair restoration in women to be
prompted by the psychological stress created by the decreased hair (including a sense of
inferiority to the same sex) and the perceived adverse effect the hypotrichosis has on their
personal (and sexual) life [6-9]. The level of concern by men regarding the development of hair
loss from their scrotum and the demand for treatment of scrotal alopecia remains to be
determined.
Potential medical therapy for hypotrichosis of the scrotum could incorporate drugs used for
androgenic alopecia. These would include either topical minoxidil or oral finasteride [10]. To
date, neither of these agents has been evaluated for the treatment of scrotal alopecia.
New therapies for hair loss in men are also being developed. Platelet-rich plasma, as
monotherapy or a component of hair transplant restoration, has been utilized to enhance hair
growth in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. In addition, other agents and modalities (such
as injectable cytokines, low-level laser therapy, and nutraceuticals) that are demonstrating
efficacy in the management of male pattern baldness may also be applicable treatments for
scrotal alopecia [12-14].
Scrotal Hypertrichosis
Pubic hair grooming is becoming more prevalent not only in women but also in men [15-16].
Removal of pubic hair in women may be partial or total. Total hair removal has been associated
with women who are younger in age, have a sexual status of being partnered (as compared to
single or married), have received cunnilingus in the previous month, have closely examined
their own genitals in the prior four weeks, and who consider themselves to have a more positive
sexual function and genital self-image [17].
Pubic hair grooming in men is also common; indeed, similar to women, it is more frequent in
younger men. The reasons for grooming include not only preparation for sexual activity
(specifically, for performing and receiving oral sex) but also hygiene, comfort, appearance, and
curiosity. The hair above the penis is the most commonly groomed by these men; however,
groomers also frequently remove hair from their scrotum and penile shaft [16].
Hypertrichosis is characterized by hair growth that is considered to be excessive for the age,
race, and race of the affected individual. Although there is a grading scale (the Ferriman-
Gallwey classification system) to assess the degree of hirsutism in women, an objective system
for evaluating the extent of increased hair growth on the scrotum of men has not been
established. Therefore, scrotal hypertrichosis (excessive hair being present on the scrotum) is
subjectively determined by the individual’s own perception of normal hair density at that body
site (Figure 3).
There are several available methods of hair removal. Shaving, epilation, and depilatories are
temporary modalities for removing hair. Shaving (either with a metal blade or an electric razor)
is a rapid and simple procedure for the removal of hair in the pubic area of women; however,
the skin texture of the scrotum is not readily amenable for this intervention. Similarly, epilation
(by plucking or waxing) is also commonly used by women to remove genital hair; yet this
method of hair removal is unlikely to be successfully utilized to treat scrotal hypertrichosis [18].
Scrotal laxity has also been referred to as a low-hanging scrotum, sagging scrotum, or
scrotomegaly (Figure 1). Although laxity of the scrotum may be asymptomatic, it can be a
source of embarrassment that prevents the individual from wearing shorts or a bathing suit.
However, in some men, the continual rubbing of their scrotum against their thigh causes
discomfort. In addition, men with a low-hanging scrotum may experience pain during
intercourse or when they exercise and participate in sports.
Scrotal laxity may be related to intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Gravity-dependent stretching of
the skin and loss of elasticity are intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors include previous active
involvement in athletics and prior testicular surgery.
Surgical intervention can successfully treat scrotal laxity. The procedure has been described as
either a scrotal lift, a scrotal tuck, a scrotoplasty, or a scrotum reduction. The surgery involves
removal of excess skin with or without tightening the underlying muscle.
Most of the papers that discuss scrotum reduction surgery describe its use in individuals with
either primary (or congenital) or secondary lymphedema of only the scrotum or both the
scrotum and penis. However, an internet search of ‘scrotum reduction surgery’ provides several
links to websites of physicians who perform this procedure; the sites provide not only
additional information about the surgery but also preoperative and postoperative clinical
images. One group of physicians briefly discussed the scrotal reduction procedure emphasizing
hemostasis (to prevent postoperative hematoma) and preservation of the posterior scrotum (to
maintain its superior lymphatic drainage) [4]. Another group of investigators recently shared
their surgical protocol (that was used for two adolescent men who had a self-perceived
unfavorable appearance of their scrotum) and the favorable results of the researcher’s
experience with this surgical intervention [22].
Scrotal Wrinkling
Scrotal wrinkling can also be referred to as scrotum rugosum or cutis scrotum gyratum (Figures
2, 3). Rugosa (also called tetracorallia) is an order of coral that have wrinkled or rugose walls
that line their horn-shaped chamber; the wall of this coral resembles the ridges and furrows
observed in men with scrotal wrinkling. Cutis vertices gyrate is a condition characterized by
Excessive scrotal wrinkling is a subjective assessment. Skin folds with peaks and valleys
typically characterize the normal appearance of the scrotum. Indeed, contraction of the dartos
muscle in response to cold temperatures or intercourse may result in the temporary
accentuation of scrotal wrinkling.
Botulinum toxin has also been used to treat disorders associated with an aberrant function of
smooth muscles [28]. If contraction of the dartos muscle is a contributing component to the
etiology of scrotal wrinkling, an intervention directed toward the function of that smooth
muscle might result in less wrinkling of the scrotum. Therefore, injection of botulinum toxin
into the dartos muscle of the scrotum might result in a smoother scrotal skin surface.
Angiokeratomas are benign lesions of vascular etiology. They present as purple, red, or black
papules; clinically, they can be mistaken for a melanocytic lesion, such as a melanoma.
Microscopic examination reveals dilated thin-walled vessels in the upper dermis;
hyperkeratosis is typically present in the overlying epidermis.
Angiokeratomas may appear on the skin of the genital region in women (such as the vulva) and
men (most commonly on the scrotum, but also the shaft and glans of the penis). When they
occur in this area, they are also referred to as angiokeratomas of Fordyce. They may be solitary;
however, they usually present as multiple (2 to 5 millimeter) papules (Figure 2) [29-30].
Angiokeratomas of the scrotum are typically asymptomatic. However, bleeding may occur
spontaneously or following contact with the lesions following sexual intercourse or
excoriation. Indeed, for some men, their scrotal angiokeratomas may cause anxiety, distress,
and embarrassment prompting them to seek treatment for the lesions [31].
Destructive modalities are typically used to treat scrotal angiokeratomas. These have
traditionally included cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen, curettage, electrocauterization, and
surgical excision. More recently, both the 595-nanometer pulsed dye laser and the 1064
nanometer long pulse Nd: YAG laser have been shown to successfully treat these lesions
without permanent side effects. Although some men were successfully treated after one
session, most individuals required several treatments to achieve complete clearance [32-33]
Conclusions
Genital rejuvenation includes vaginal rejuvenation in women and scrotal rejuvenation in men.
The number of published medical papers on vaginal rejuvenation demonstrates an increased
interest in this subject; in contrast, the medical literature does not show a similar awareness of
Medical therapy, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, may be used for scrotal alopecia
and conservative modalities, such as depilatories and electrolysis, may be initiated for scrotal
hypertrichosis. Scrotal hypertrichosis and scrotal angiokeratomas may be successfully managed
with lasers and energy-based devices. The mainstay of therapy for scrotal laxity is surgical
intervention; however, it has been hypothesized that an adequate scrotal lift may be provided
with the use of absorbable suspension sutures. Postulated treatments for scrotal alopecia and
scrotal wrinkling include hair transplantation and the injection of botulinum toxin into the
dartos muscle, respectively.
Additional Information
Disclosures
Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors
declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial
support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships:
All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the
previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work.
Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or
activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
References
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0237-x
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